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Rose bushes (Rosaspp.)
are shrubs best known for theirfragrant blossomsof red, pink, apricot, yellow, white, and variations.
Some rose bushes stand erect, others trail, and a few even climb.
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Their woody stems are studded with sharp thorns.
In reality,rosesare pretty tough survivors and will thrive with little to no care.
Learn how to grow andcare for rose bushesyear-round with this comprehensive guide.
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Some recommend forming a cone at the bottom of the planting hole and spreading the roots over the cone.
This encourages the roots to grow straight down because deeper is better.
This is also a good time to apply sprays to get a head start on disease and pest control.
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When improving the soil throughsoil amendments, do not forget to promote drainage by incorporating peat moss.
Regardless of the year’s season, apply 2 or 3 inches ofmulchover the soil around rose bushes.
Water
Typically, it is best to water roses twice a weekand water them thoroughly.
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It’s better to water deeply twice per week than to water less deeply more often.
Avoid late-evening watering, which can fosterpowdery mildew, a very common disease among rose plants.
The result is that moisture hangs around all night, creating optimal conditions for powdery mildew.
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For the same reason, avoid watering roses from above.
Getting the leaves wet will only invite an infestation of powdery mildew.
Instead, apply the water at ground level.
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Start feeding them when they are actively growing in spring, coinciding with pruning time.
To even sprout the seeds, they must be subjected to a period of cold called stratification.
Overwintering
In cold climates, roses may need somewinter protection.
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Insect Pests
To keep insect pests off your roses, try companion planting with garlic.
Spring is a good time to spray withhorticultural oilto destroy insect eggs and larvae.
Well-tended roses are much more eager to produce big, beautiful flowers all season long.
Removing wilted rose flowers (deadheading) will encourage re-blooming.
Some rose varieties are more likely to keep blooming all summer.
These includehybrid tea roses, floribunda, grandiflora,climbing roses, andshrub roses.
If you love big, red flowers but don’t want to grow roses, try peonies.
The’Red Charm Peony’produces gorgeous crimson blooms.
You cangrow roses in containersinside your home, but they need a lot of sunlight to thrive.
Will roses rebloom?New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
